Thank you for writing to share your concerns about the future of Saw Whet golf course with the Mayor and Council over the past few weeks. Last week Council passed two important resolutions moving us closer to significantly protecting the Merton Lands. The first motion directs legal counsel to “attend the OMB proceedings to oppose the applications as being premature and not in the public interest using an evidentiary based approach“. The second motion directs staff to “schedule a public meeting as soon as possible to consider an Official Plan amendment which would designate the publicly owned lands in the Merton Study area with the appropriate natural heritage designation, thereby ensuring that the Town does not lose the opportunity afforded by the ten year review of the Greenbelt Plan.”

A Provincial Town Hall consultation meeting about the Greenbelt Plan and related provincial plans is happening this Wednesday April 22, 2015 at Milton Banquet Hall – 3090 Steeles Ave. W. from 6pm-9pm. Another meeting is planned for Oakville but so far no date has been set. More details about the co-ordinated land use planning review can be found at the website of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Stay tuned for updates from us about how you can participate in this consultation process.

Thanks also to the over 600 residents who came out last Tuesday night to a community meeting to learn how they could voice their concerns about the future of the Saw Whet Golf Course lands.

Speakers included the Mary Elizabeth Carley, the daughter of George and Janet Atkins, who grew up on the farmland around Saw Whet. The Bronte Oak was once in her front yard!

Shaniah Leduc, VP of the Fourteen Mile Creek Residents’ Association, emphasized that it’s not a done deal yet and encouraged folks to come forward at the OMB.

Oakvillegreen’s President, Karen Brock, spoke about the environmentally sensitive features in the area and their uniqueness in an urban setting, and outlined concerns about impacts that development can have on Fourteen Mile Creek and the valley land’s habitat and inhabitants.

Those who feel that that the proposed development is not in the best interest of the community are encouraged to present this view to the OMB by registering on May 1st at 10 am at the Town Hall pre-hearing to be “participants” at the October hearing.